Adherents of the Path of the Supplicant focus on entreating more potent and more holy beings from the Celestial Realm.

Once an angel has been thus entreated into a Circle, there is a certain extent to which a Theurgist may direct their actions. This is not the compulsion which many Sorcerers exercise over their charges, but rather a negotiation with a greater power - the Angel will frequently, in exchange for an understanding that the action they are being asked to perform is in line with the Divine Plan, aid the Supplicant in their endeavours.

There are those who have postulated that it might be theoretically possible to trick, manipulate or even compel an Angel, with a sufficiently advanced mastery of Theurgy. Such postulations tend to be depostulated in very short order as soon as the local priesthood gets hold of the postulant.

Most of the rituals below require time spent in preparation of some sort, whether of the articles of magic or of the Theurgist himself, hence the time they take to complete. Even if such preparation is not explicitly mentioned in the Ritual section, players may assume that a deal of their PC's time when performing a spell is spent in meditation and ritual preparation.

Calls an Angel into the mortal realms. Angels bless births, sing Hosannahs, help the lost and aid in prayer.

Cost: 2AP

Ritual: After ritual preparation, the Theurgist walks the outside of his circle clockwise three times, sprinkling the holy water within, reciting the Celestial Formulae and - should it be known - the name and nature of the Angel he wishes to entreat.

Token: A phial of holy water. (In game terms, 'holy' means 'blessed by an Ordained Priest of either Church'.)Alternate Token - Jewish: A phial of holy water. (In game terms, 'holy' means 'blessed by a Rabbi'.)

Calls an Archangel into the mortal realms. Archangels heal the sick, purify substances, travel many miles at the speed of thought, and smite enemies.

Cost: 2AP

Ritual: As Entreat the Angel, but with wine instead of water.

Token: A bottle of sanctified communion wine.Alternate Token - Jewish: A bottle of properly prepared seder wine. Less wine can be used, and with more powerful effects, if it is taken after being poured to Elijah's Cup.

Calls a Virtue into the world. These are strange, unearthly creatures who very rarely deign to use the tongues of men (though a few speak Greek or Hebrew). Virtues heal the lame and the blind, change the course of battles, bless cities and smite unbelievers.

Cost: 2AP

Ritual: The Theurgist recites a series of Psalms while burning a censer of incense and powdered communion wafer. Once the smoke completely fills the inside of the circle, the Virtue will begin to manifest.

Token: Communion wafer blessed by an Archbishop (Anglican) or Cardinal (Catholic).Alternate Token - Jewish: A tefillin-box (phylactery) which has been worn by a rabbi for at least two years.

Seraphs are the strangest and most holy of all the known Angelic hosts. It is unheard of for a Seraph to communicate in any language but the Angelic Tongue, though the Invisible College maintains that these beings are capable of comprehending the language, they simply choose not to sully their lips or ears with it. The physical form of Seraphs is difficult to distinguish because of the brilliant, blinding light which attends them wherever they go.

Ritual: The Supplicant, after casting a Circle, recites the secret Names of the Host. Releasing the lightning into the circle, he makes an effort of will and creates a living pathway between the Celestial and Terrestrial realms. If the supplicant's desire is pure, a Seraph will follow.

Adherents of the Path of the Circle focus on creating theurgic Circles of greater complexity and duration. Powerful Theurgists trained in this Path can confidently entreat more powerful Angels without risking accident, and allow them to remain in the mortal realms for longer and with greater potency.

A note on Tokens and AP: Circles do not require AP, since they are effectively useless without an Entreaty (which does require AP). They do, however, require Tokens.

An angel entreated into the basic Angelic Circle may only remain in the mortal realms for a matter of hours, unless supported by some external binding force. The Angelic Circle is suitable for minor servants of Heaven, but its substance is too fragile to safely sustain the presence of a being from one of the more potent Hosts. Angels summoned with this Circle can rarely move far outside the influence of the Circle before its protection wanes from them - barely a few hundred yards' distance, even when drawn by proficient Theurgists.

NB: It is possible to Entreat an Angel too powerful for the Circle you have cast. Just not sensible.

Ritual: The Theurgist draws a simple circle in holy earth, and seals it with white candles at the cardinal points. Once the circle has been appropriately purified with incense and chanting, it is prepared for an Entreaty.

Token: Hallowed earth (taken from the grounds of a church).Alternate Token - Jewish: Hallowed earth (taken from the ground around a Synagogue).

An angel entreated into the Silver Circle may remain in the mortal realms for anything up to a day, depending on the technique and experience of the Theurgist. Virtues and Seraphs may enter these Circles, though with no great comfort. Angels entreated into the Silver Circle can move about the Mortal realms with some greater comfort, being imbued with the substance of the Circle - between towns, usually, but not countries without special aid or dispensation.

Ritual: The Theurgist draws a solar cross, first in chalk, then overlays the outline in silver dust. The Cardinal points are sealed with alternating Alphas and Omegas, and the Theurgist chants the Lord's Prayer to steady and focus the mind.

An angel entreated into the Golden Circle may remain in the mortal realms for several days without being forced to return to its home. Virtues and Seraphs are more comfortable in the Golden Circle. Celestial beings entreated into the Golden Circle have a great deal of freedom of movement, acting freely at many leagues distance from the original circle, should they so desire.

Ritual: The Theurgist draws the Trithemian Seal, first in chalk, then overlays the entirity in gold dust. The Cardinal points are marked with the Hebrew letters Yod, Heh, Vav, Heh. The Theurgist must purify the space with incense, and remain entirely focused on the circle; a small break in concentration during its construction could be disastrous.

Token: Gold dust ground down from a holy artefact (e.g. a crucifix, the frame of an Icon, a chalice).Alternate Token - Jewish: Gold dust ground down from a holy artefact (e.g. a Menorah, a Yad).

The Celestial Circle is the pinacle of the Supplicant's art, and provides a haven for Angels of all Hosts. With practice, Angels thus Entreated may remain in the mortal realms for several weeks, should they so choose. Angels entreated into the Celestial Circle are so protected by its influence that they may range freely about the globe, bringing the word of the Lord to whosoever they desire.

There is an ugly rumour that the Celestial Circle can, theoretically, be used to compel an Angelic being against its will. This is denounced as heresy by the Churches of England and Rome, and as pure nonsense by the Invisible College.

Ritual: The Theurgist draws the double-lined Seal of Solomon, and between the outer and inner circles places crystals of sunlight. If appropriately performed, the circle will soon become too bright to look at; only a Theurgist's appropriate ritual preparation will allow him to look upon the Circle. Before any Entreaty is made into the circle, it must be sealed with the Four Known Names and the One Secret Name.

Adherents of the Celestial Path focus on their knowledge and familiarity with the Angelic domain. Particularly powerful Celestial adherents may even find their names well-known by Angels they have never before encountered.

Spells in the Celestial Path do not include “rituals” as such - once the caster has researched them, they take the form of effects which are considered active at all relevant times. Similarly, however, because they are not solid rituals as such, they can be disrupted by things which affect the Theurgist's concentration or state of mind or heart.

He who knows Celestial Grammar has studied the ways of the Celestial realms so well that he is well-versed in the thoughts and concerns of angels. Even if a language barrier exists, he will find it far easier to communicate with Angels, express his thoughts and understand their desires. One who has learned the Angelic Tongue in addition to having knowledge of Celestial Grammar should be able to communicate flawlessly even with Seraphs.

The Celestial adherent who achieves this degree of familiarity with Heaven is well-regarded enough by at least one of the Hosts that he has received his own angelic guide. This guide is present with the Theurgist at all times in spirit, and may be invoked with relative ease (not requiring the full ritual of a Circle and Entreaty) to perform favours and errands. The Guide is from the host of Angels.

In game terms, the Guide may be asked, during session or turnsheeting, for reasonable questions or advice which it will answer in an appropriate manner; and may be entreated to perform 2AP's worth of favours or errands per turn. Be aware that the Angel may choose to fulfil errands in a manner more pleasing to its own Celestial ends than the Theurgist's; this is not a “free AP” spell.

The Theurgist with a Celestial Reputation has made himself known throughout the fields of Heaven as an important and worthy personage. Even angels of high Hosts will be amenable, even eager to share such an interesting mortal's company. This can be a double-edged sword, but most of those with a Celestial Reputation find it can be a great boon, especially when trying to root out the more reclusive of Celestial beings.

Most adherents of the Cleric's Path are priests or zealots. While the other paths focus, to some degree or another, on understanding and affecting fragments of the Celestial Realms, Clerics allow the Realms to affect them. The dedicated Cleric eventually finds himself becoming something more… or less… than human.

The strength of mind which Fervor grants to its practitioner is known to be a sovereign protection against demonic and earthly temptation, the pleasures of the flesh, and possession. The ritual can protect against nightmares, addictions and many other weaknesses of the mind.

The dedicated practitioner of Fervor is also able to cast a version of the ritual which can apply to others, even non-Theurgists. This version is at +1 AP, and the Theurgist must have cast Fervor on his own behalf at least once before attempting it.

Cost: 2AP

Ritual: After reciting a series of cantrips and creeds over the holy pages, the Cleric sprinkles a few drops of his own blood over them. He then seals them with wax and ties them into a small packet. This packet is usually worn over the heart, often in a specially made locket. As long as the pages remain uncorrupted, whole and on the Cleric's person, he is under the effect of the ritual.

Token: Pages from a bible blessed by a Bishop.Alternate Token - Jewish: Pages from a Chumash. Use of a page or section from the Sefer Torah empowers the ritual even further, but this is considered heretical by many Yehudi.

The strength of the devoted Cleric is as ten, because his heart is pure. Those experiencing this level of commitment to the Cleric's path find themselves imbued with great physical strength, and in doing God's work can perform amazing feats.

The effects of this ritual last for four turnsheets' worth of actions (inclusive).

Cost: 2AP

Ritual: The Theurgist meditates upon the keystone for a day and a night, after a period of ritual preparation and fasting - no food or water may pass his lips for a full day before the ritual begins. Should the Theurgist manage to complete the ritual without allowing his mind to wander or fall into sleep, he will find himself imbued with a Celestial strength; to fix this strength in his limbs, he must grind the keystone to powder between his hands.

Token: The keystone of a consecrated building (church, synagogue, nunnery etc).

The Faith of one who knows the secrets of Fides is so strong that it acts on his very blood, rendering him immune to almost all moral and physical forms of damage. It is nearly impossible to poison the truly faithful Cleric, in mind or in body; neither the corruption of Hell nor the purity of Heaven can interfere with his health.

In addition, one with the knowledge of Fides is able to use the purity of his own substance to affect others. Blessings and absolutions granted by a Cleric of this level are remarkably and consistently effective; oaths witnessed under the auspices of the Fides ritual are more difficult to break, and so on.

Cost: Once this level of the Cleric's Path has been achieved and the ritual has been activated (for 2AP), the passive effects of protection from harm are always considered to be automatically active unless something interferes with the spell. To add the power of Fides to a blessing, consecration, oath, or other action, specify in your turnsheet that you are doing so and spend AP accordingly.

Ritual: After a week of fasting and meditation, the Cleric places the tears under his tongue. When they dissolve, the ritual takes effect.

Two Theurgists, each of whom has one of the requisite Paths, can cooperate to cast one of these. The effects might be unusual, though.

When one reaches the end of a Path, one then sees all the descriptions of the Top-Tier spells emananting from it, but not the Names unless one specifically researches them or one has the required other path.

This Ritual turns a Seraph, sum and substance, into something else - past examples have included a bell, a church or a sword. Buildings and devices created by this method have a tendency to be incredibly holy and potent, but also deeply dangerous - they may act unreliably, or turn against the wielder if the remnants of the Seraph come to believe it is not being used for the Lord's work.

There are some who suggest that this ritual could even be used to transmute a Seraph thus against its will. This is widely decried as patent nonsense, not to mention heresy.

Cost: 2AP

Ritual: The caster meditates for weeks upon the object he wishes to create - some find that physically forging or building a replica of the object during this time helps to focus the energies. The Rhombus Caelestius is cast as normal, centred around the star, which must be appropriately contained. The caster focuses all his will upon the object, and calls a Seraph into being through the conduit of starlight, forming it into the substance of the creation.

This ritual summons… something - theoretically, that is; practically, it has never been performed (or at least no-one will admit ever hearing of a successful performance). In essence and theory, it summons a being from the host higher than the Seraphs; however, there is great debate among philosophers and scientists as to whether there is a host higher than the Seraphs. All that is known for certain is that the results of the ritual would be awesome, terrifying, and intensely dangerous.

Ritual: An Entreaty of the highest order is performed with no containing circle, and using as its focus a fragment of wood from the True Cross, which is consumed utterly by the Entreaty. Further results depend on the Theurgist's strength of will and Providence.Alternate Ritual - Jewish: An Entreaty of the highest order is performed with no containing circle, and using as its focus a fragment of stone from one of the Luchot HaBrit, which is consumed utterly by the Entreaty. Further results depend on the Theurgist's strength of will and on Providence.

Token: Wood from the True Cross.Alternate Token - Jewish: A chip of stone from one of the tablets contained within the Ark of the Covenant.

This ritual allows the Theurgist to travel at will in the Celestial realms. This can, potentially, be used as a shortcut between places in the mortal realms; or as a method of discovering more about the geography of Heaven. However, the Celestial Realms are highly dangerous to those of corrupt and mortal substance, and without careful planning and protection it is easy for the Theurgist to become lost forever.

Gateways created using St Peter's Keys remain open for long enough that several individuals, excluding the caster, may pass through. However, those without the protections afforded by Fides and Fervor are likely to be driven mad instantly, at best.

Cost: 2AP

Ritual: The Theurgist enters a light trance, calling to mind the knowledge and conversation with the Host of Heaven he has had in the past. While in this trance, he takes up the holy relics and a knife, and carves them into the shapes of keys. This is an unconscious process, and attempts to copy or replicate the keys will inevitably fail. After constructing these keys, the Theurgist may use them to enter and exit the Celestial realms at will, although the construction of a gate usually takes a minute or two of intense concentration.

The ritual of Aegis permanently consecrates a single location, shielding it from most outside harm and creating within an environment most conducive to contemplation and study.

In system terms, a location on which Aegis is cast is far harder to enter uninvited, adds a -1AP bonus to most study and research actions, and may have other effects depending on circumstances.

Cost: 2AP

Ritual: The Theurgist casts a Celestial circle around the location on which he wishes to cast Aegis, but instead of Entreating an angel into the circle, he seals it by entering it and placing at its centre the shield of a Templar. This shield is then bound into the earth at the heart of the circle, and cannot be removed without destroying the ritual.

Anglicans will know that this ritual was researched and named by one Mary of Leicester, a renowned Theurgist, Bishop in the Church of England and Fellow of the Invisible College, as a coronation gift for His Majesty King Henry. It is always in effect at Court sessions. Catholics will know that the inane naming of this ritual is an arrogant English conceit, and that it was in fact discovered in 1503 by Cardinal Giorgio Luciani, who named it “Salus Pontifici”.

The ritual, quite simply, creates an area in which peace and accord reign supreme. Some have described the effect as like a circle of good fortune; bad things simply do not happen while inside the circle. Specifically, it is impossible, under normal circumstances, to commit violence against another being. One may throw a punch, but it will not land; poison wine, but the poison will turn to water; fire a pistol, but the powder will be wet or the bullet miss; call lightning from the sky with Conjuration, but it will strike an oak tree rather than one's intended target.

By universal agreement, this ritual is always active during Court meetings.

Cost: 2AP

Ritual: Having prepared the area of effect (which is generally no larger than three hundred yards in diameter and no smaller than ten yards, although it has been suggested this could be extended), the Theurgist (with assistance if appropriate) walks the circle, chanting a series of cantrips and scattering the holy sand over the chalk-marks which hold the Seven Sacred Names. The magical wards which signify and accompany Cry God generally make their appearance as small glowing marks in the air above the circle, and any Theurgist can tell at a glance whether or not these wards are in effect. Scuffs or breaks in sand could potentially jeopardise Cry God, which is why careful Theurgists often reinforce the ritual with a Rhombus Caelestius.

The adherents of the Cleric's and the Celestial paths tend to be zealous, devoted individuals, and so it is that by combining the heights of both disciplines, they might achieve the most zealous ritual of all. The ritual known as Apotheosis, put simply, changes the caster's self and substance until they are something more than human. It is rarely used except in times of great need - and it is generally assumed to be irreversible. The magician who dares to cast Apotheosis is not long for the mortal realms, as the angelic substance within his flesh cries out for its celestial home; few stories suggest that previous casters have survived more than weeks or months. While here, however, the Theurgist becomes imbued with miraculous and Angelic abilities, far beyond the imagination of most mortals.

(In game terms, this is a “blaze of glory” kind of ritual. Once you cast it, your next turnsheet will be your last; you must retire the character before the end of the next session [you are welcome to retire in session, should you so wish]. However, your next turnsheet will also be 16AP, and you may consider yourself to have full ranks in any skill you can reasonably justify to the GMs as being relevantly Angelic.)

There is a rumour that this ritual could, theoretically, be developed such that the Theurgist might expose another individual to the effects of Apotheosis while remaining unchanged himself. The Invisible College have so far been very close-mouthed about whether or not they are developing such a thing…

Please note: PCs with the quirk “Stay thy Hand, Father” may not cast this Ritual.

Cost: 2AP

Ritual: The postulant spends a week in complete silence, allowing only water to pass his lips. At the conclusion of the week, he bathes in pure water to purify himself, and scribes upon his body the Sacred Symbols of Enoch, and calls upon the Guardian Host to accept him into their ranks, crying out with the very breath of his life. The ritual is usually attempted in complete solitude, but some records suggest that postulants have had trusted friends by them to read aloud from the holy texts and provide witness to their journey.

Calls one of the Four Mysteries into the mortal realms. The Mysteries bless births, sing Hosannahs, help the lost and aid in prayer.

Ritual: After ritual preparation, the Theurgist walks the outside of his circle clockwise three times, sprinkling the holy water within, reciting the Celestial Formulae and - the name and nature of the Mystery he wishes to entreat - Shamsadin, Fakhradin, Sajadin or Naserdin.

Token: A phial of holy water. (In game terms, 'holy' means 'blessed by a priest'.)

Calls the angel Shaikh Hasan, companion of Sheikh Adi, into the mortal realms. Shaikh Hasan can heal the sick, purify substances, travel many miles at the speed of thought, and smite enemies.

Ritual: The ritual is almost identical to the ritual for “Entreat the Mystery”, with many days of ritual preparation followed by a clockwise circuit of the circle, and an entreaty to Shaikh Hasan. The main difference is in the Token.

Calls the angel Shaikh Adi, lieutenant of Melek Taus, into the world. Shaikh Adi is a strange, unearthly creature who very rarely deigns to use the tongues of men (though there are a few reports of Adi speaking Arabic). Shaikh Adi heals the lame and the blind, changes the course of battles, blesses cities and smites unbelievers.

Ritual: The Theurgist recites a series of cantrips from the Book of Revelation while burning a censer of incense which has been soaked in tears. Once the smoke completely fills the inside of the circle, the Virtue will begin to manifest.

Melek Taus, the Peacock Angel, the One-who-has-been-Redeemed, the Demiurge. It is unheard of for Melek Taus to communicate in any language but the Angelic Tongue, though many claim that Melek Taus is capable of comprehending the languages of mortals, he simply chooses not to sully his lips or ears with it. The physical form of Melek Taus is difficult to distinguish because of the brilliant, blinding light which attends him wherever he goes.

Ritual: The Supplicant, after casting a Circle, recites the secret Names of the Books. Releasing the lightning into the circle, he makes an effort of will and creates a living pathway between the Celestial and Terrestrial realms. If the supplicant's desire is pure, then Melek Taus will follow.

An angel entreated into the Silver Circle may remain in the mortal realms for anything up to a day, depending on the technique and experience of the Theurgist. Shaikh Adi, theoretically, Melek Taus may enter these Circles, though with no great comfort. Angels entreated into the Silver Circle can move about the Mortal realms with some greater comfort, being imbued with the substance of the Circle - between towns, usually, but not countries without special aid or dispensation.

Ritual: The Theurgist draws a solar cross, first in chalk, then overlays the outline in silver dust. The Cardinal points are sealed with alternating symbols of Death and Kiras Guhorin. The Theurgist chants verses from the Nivêja rojavabûnê to steady and focus the mind.

An angel entreated into the Golden Circle may remain in the mortal realms for several days without being forced to return to its home. Shaikh Adi and Melek Taus are supposedly more comfortable in the Golden Circle. Celestial beings entreated into the Golden Circle have a great deal of freedom of movement, acting freely at many leagues distance from the original circle, should they so desire.

Ritual: The Theurgist draws the Trithemian Seal, first in chalk, then overlays the entirity in gold dust. The Cardinal points are marked with the Kurdish script for the Secret Names of God. The Theurgist must purify the space with incense, and remain entirely focused on the circle; a small break in concentration during its construction could be disastrous.

Token: Gold dust ground down from a holy Yazidi artefact (e.g. an incense censer, the frame of an Icon, a chalice, a sacrificial knife).